Congratulations to our Newly Certificated Clients

We are pleased to announce that the following clients have had their presentation and received their certificates in the month of October:

Tor Drilling Ltd

On Wednesday 7th October 2015, Tor Drilling Ltd were presented with their ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certificate. They are Specialists in Geotechnical and Environmental Site Investigation.

Tor Drilling Ltd supplies highly trained and motivated crews to carry out all types of drilling services. Their aim is to give their clients the highest possible standard and keeping their client’s reputation safe in their hands.

If you would like to learn more about their services then please visit their website.

Thames Formwork Limited

On Tuesday 20th October 2015, Thames Formwork Limited were presented with their ISO 9001 Quality Management Certificate. Thames Formwork is an award winning reinforced concrete frame contractor who have the experience to deliver concrete frame projects to a high standard. They also believe in developing strong relationships with their clients.

If you would like to know any more about Thames Formwork Limited then please visit their website.

Draper and Dash Limited

On Monday 26th October 2015, Draper and Dash Limited were presented with their ISO 27001 Information Security Certificate. Draper & Dash is a provider of business intelligence applications and services, covering organisations across England, Scotland, Australia and North America. Actionable insights are tuned to ensure they achieve their clients precise requirements.

If you would like to know more about their intelligence services then please visit their website.

Graham Fletcher, interim head of Qlikview development and Orlando Agrippa, Chief Executive of Draper and Dash, are presented with their new ISO 27001 Information Security certificate from Lead Assessor Rick Allard.

Central High Rise Limited

Based in Nottinghamshire, Central High Rise are able to offer their clients cost effective options for safely Working at Height, in what can be sometimes extreme but must always be a safe working environment.

Their engineers are trained in all forms of specialist access techniques including rope access, ladders access, abseiling, suspended scaffolds, cradles and MEWP access methods. If you wish to find out more about their services then please visit their website.

Feeling blue then this may be for you!

As winter roles in and those cold dark nights take hold, we all need to make sure that we are looking after ourselves and not suffering from those ‘winter blues’. Check out the ISOQSL way below:

Informal – Keep things low key when you can, try to inject a bit of energy into the workplace and brighten everyone’s mood, perhaps a team building day, dress down Friday or even get your Ops Director to show you some dancing moves!

Sizzling – Make sure whilst typing away your latest record breaking sales strategy that the heating is on and everyone is nice and cosy at their desks with a warm cup of tea/coffee or hot chocolate.

Outdoors – Research has shown that a daily one-hour walk in the middle of the day could be as helpful as light treatment for coping with the winter blues.

Quizzical – Rather than sitting at your desk quietly staring out the window feeling down, get to know your colleagues, ask them questions about their work and home life, not only does this distract you from your own thoughts but you may find that you’ve been sitting next to a secret ninja the whole time!

Successful – If you achieve success at work then you are going to be happier, everyone loves meeting a target, so why not lower your targets over the difficult winter period and motivate your colleagues to lighten the mood.

Light – The winter months can be very dark and depressing, particularly if your working hours mean you don’t get to see the daylight during the week, so why not use your lunch break to get outside in the fresh air, you will feel much better for it.

Looking after yourself and your Company

As part of our commitment to attaining Worcestershire Works Well Accreditation we are on a mission to help our employees and our extended family; our clients and partners, to get fit and healthy.

Hundreds of working days are lost due to illness that companies could be doing more to help prevent.

Ill health has a direct influence on the economy, with the HSE publishing very worrying statistics: (2014/2015) • 1.2 million working people suffering from a work-related illness • 27.3 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury • It is estimated that 18 million working days are lost each year due to obesity • £14.3 billion estimated cost of injuries and ill health from current working conditions

In today’s feature we will be looking at the risks associated with unhealthy food choices and the effects of ill health on the workforce.

Poor nutrition, such as dehydration and unhealthy food choices, is associated with a heightened risk of developing conditions such as coronary heart disease, various types of cancer as well as type 2 diabetes.

It is important to maintain good employee health as the business impacts can be far reaching, impacting on productivity, with a high financial cost for a company through absenteeism and high potential staff turnover. In turn this can also lead to an increased number of lost working days and long term sick pay.

Adults can spend up to 60% of their waking hours in a work environment, and may eat one or more meals and snacks at work. Healthy eating contributes to the health of your business as according to the HSENI: • 87% of employees feel they would be far more productive if they took time out during their working day to exercise and eat healthily.

The Worcestershire Works Well Accreditation has 3 levels which in turn encompass 9 ‘Standards’ that include the promoting of good health, physical activity, leadership and health and safety.

Cyber-crime “the biggest threat facing businesses”

Most of you will have heard or may have even been affected by the latest TalkTalk hack which earlier this month gained a large amount of business and media interest.

With shares dropping more than 12%, TalkTalk has said that the hack was a lot smaller than they originally predicted, though it’s acknowledged that customers’ bank details and sort code details may have been accessed.

The phone and broadband provider has said it does not know how much of the accessed customer information was encrypted.

With some customers complaining that money has gone missing from their accounts, TalkTalk have said that there is no current evidence that customers’ bank accounts have been affected as a result of the recent attack.

Cyber-crime has been described as one of the biggest threat facing modern businesses.

Any business who trades or stores information online can be a victim, and many SMEs are not always aware of the scale of the threat or the repercussions.

A trend that is also set to grow is the threat of cyber criminals holding stolen data to ransom.

Only high profile hacks are reported, but these types of data security errors happen regularly, and in many different forms.

Though the biggest, TalkTalk was not the only big name to have had a data security issue this month, with British Gas and M&S both experiencing problems, though this time internal matters were to blame. A recent study from Kaspersky Lab & B2B International revealed that up to 42% of data losses are caused internally by employees.

There are many things SMEs can do to lessen the risk; make sure companies are carrying out risk assessments into these areas and identifying vulnerable areas, nominating a data security representative and ensuring all data is handed appropriately and with care.

Should I expect more from my supply chain?

When it comes to your supply chain, you wouldn’t want any weak links when it comes to quality, so why would security be any different?

Information is just one element that flows through your supply chain, but arguably this factor is becoming increasingly important.

With increased visibility, accountability and tracking widely available it is now more important than ever to make sure that your suppliers are well chosen.

One aspect of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System is the preferred supplier list; maintaining secure and reputable connections.

In a supply chain you become interconnected with many other businesses, meaning they are a potential playground for criminals. Could you be vulnerable because of them? Are they monitored, certified in the same way, do they share similar values?

In addition, the more connections, the more possible vulnerabilities and potential for volatility.

The task of protecting a company and your supply chain against all the different types of digital security breaches can prove rather daunting but there is a solution.

The standard promotes efficient management of sensitive corporate information, highlighting vulnerabilities to ensure it is adequately protected against potential threats while encompassing people, process and IT systems.

With this standard in place you may be in a position to build up the security processes of your network through collaboration and shared resources, in a joined up and collaborative effort.

Left to right: Sue & Peter Appleton of ISO Quality Services. Winners of Employer of the Year.

Our top 5 tips for making ‘quality’ contacts

With Christmas approaching, and our Wine & Cheese Networking Night, you are sure to have been invited to numerous networking events in your area!

With that in mind, take a look at our top five tips to ensure you are successful at your next event!

1. Take your Business Cards There is nothing worse than asking somebody for their card and they fumble around to then tell you that they don’t have one with them. Offering a business card is like trade, if you give one the likelihood is you will get one back. Giving business cards makes the company more memorable, making people more inclined to look up your company if they have something there to remind them of you.

2. Have a short, punchy pitch ready No networker likes a rambler, try to keep what you’re saying short and precise. Have a concise version of what you do, where you work, who your clients are and what your goals are ready so when you get asked you don’t ramble, you have what you’re going to say already in your head ready.

3. Listen! Perhaps, use ‘what’s your story?’ as an ice-breaker. Give people time to tell you theirs, whilst thinking ‘what can you do to help this person?’ Or if not you, maybe somebody you know. Listen to what they’re saying to you; you may not be able to offer any of your services to them but think who you could connect them to.

4. Be yourself Be genuine, people aren’t going to want to connect with somebody who is putting on their personality for the event. The people you connect with when you are being genuine are the people who are going to want to keep in contact with you.

5. Be engaged! Keep eye contact! It makes the situation very awkward if you keep looking away from the person you are engaging with, or looking around at other things that are happening at the event. Nodding your head or tilting your body when talking to a person makes them feel like you’re actually engaging in their conversation and are interested in what they’re saying!

Meet Our Team

While it is our job to find out lots about you and your business requirements, we thought that you might like to get to know us a little bit better. Each month we will introduce you to a member of our team, giving you opportunity to learn more about each of us!

Get to know Lynne!

This month you can find out all about Lynne, our Senior Client Services Executive!

What is your role in the office?

My role is Senior Client Services Executive; this is where most of the complicated queries come. I want to be able to give customers an experience that is accessible and memorable. I like our customers to have a good experience when they are talking to our members of staff.

What is your favourite thing about working at ISO QSL?

My favourite thing about working in the office would definitely be the people I work with, I have a quiet social life centred around my family so I like to make the most of my time with people at work. We are a mixed bunch with some different interests, this makes for some lively and fun conversation. I must confess I also love the fact the office is very tidy and organised, it always has a calming effect on me.

Why did you choose this profession?

I grew up on the Isle of Wight where I started working at holiday camps and restaurants, from my teens, customer service was a key part of my job and ever since then I gravitated naturally towards Customer Service. Speaking to people and making their life easier is something I enjoy doing. I moved into the engineering and manufacturing industry early on, and this gave me a valuable background into company processes and different standards needed to run businesses successfully. This gave me a valuable insight into ISO processes, and first hand experience of the benefits of such standards, all the better to share my experiences with our customers!

Tell us something that nobody in the office knows about you!

I have a secret love for motorbikes! I had a full bike license before I had my car license. The advent of children soon pushed me toward a more sedate people carrier, but another few years and perhaps I can join the senior hairy biker movement – incorporating my love of food as well!

What is your favourite song/album and why?

My favourite song is Mr Blue Sky, not because I regularly listen to it or that it’s something I have on all the time. It’s because whenever I do listen to it, it always puts me in a good mood and it just genuinely makes me happy.

If you could relive any moment in your life what would it be? Why?

I can’t give one particular moment in my life that stands out to me, I still believe my greatest moment is yet to come.

What is your proudest accomplishment and how has this changed you?

There isn’t one single occasion that comes to mind but I have a number of special moments that I enjoy thinking back on. Specific moments with my children, plus some exciting career moments over the years like being interviewed by the BBC show are all occasions I like to reflect on.

ISO Training Services Update

As an independent organisation, we understand how important training is to a company and have seen first-hand the boost to morale, profits, customer satisfaction and employee loyalty.

We are also aware that delivering high quality services, consistently, is a challenge for any organisation which is why we aim to make it easier for you.

Our courses are intensive but fully interactive sessions, which focus on the important element of training – the end application!

Have you recently implemented ISO 9001; are you new to the standard or are you not sure if ISO 9001 is for you? Then this is an excellent introduction for anyone involved in the development, implementation and management of ISO 9001.

This training course is designed to help your organisation demonstrate commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, as well as continuously improving your quality management systems (QMS).

Our friendly trainers will help you overcome any reservations you might have and enable you to understand the requirements of the standard, help you to improve your management processes and prepare your business for growth.

And finally it’ll provide an overview of the purpose and requirements of ISO 9001 as a tool for business improvement.

Course Content

Quality Manager training will cover the following topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:

A BS OHSAS 18001 health and safety management system is a systematic and process driven approach to controlling and monitoring risks that can arise from the company’s day to day activities.

This system is proven to enable the business to be pro-active rather then re-active, therefore more effectively protecting the health and welfare of your workforce on an on-going basis.

In support of this we are pleased to offer a half day Risk Assessment Course that will help your organisation to understand the risks in a workplace, how to manage this and the relationship to the BS OHSAS 18001.

Our experienced trainer will be there to guide you through this challenging subject, dispelling myths and explain in very easy terms, how to approach a Risk Assessment and answer any queries that you may have.

Our Training will cover the following key topics, as well as allowing for question & answer sessions on the day:

Concepts of risk and hazard.

Concepts of a safe work environment.

Hazard identification and differentiation between hazard and risk.

Principles of risk control/s – workplace precautions.

Safety law and risk assessment legislation.

Risk assessment, risk analysis and risk management.

Risk Assessment and the relationship with BS OHSAS 18001:2007.

Question and answer sessions throughout.

Feel you or a colleague would benefit from this training? To attend this course or for more information, please call 01905 670303 or email info@isoqsltd.com.

REMEMBER IF YOU ARE A CURRENT CLIENT OF ISO QUALITY SERVICES YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A DISCOUNT ON ALL OUR COURSES…PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS

Thornton & Lowe Tender Training

In addition, our friends at Thornton & Lowe are running two upcoming training workshops in Manchester City Centre based on bidding and tendering practises. Founded in 2009 Thornton & Lowe has quickly grown as a niche bid management, procurement and training provider offering strategic guidance, operational support and business solutions to a range of clients.

This business breakfast is held monthly and draws in a wide range of businesses from Worcestershire and beyond. With lots of opportunities for networking and a thought-provoking business speaker, it’s the best breakfast most of us will have in a month. The early start will fit in nicely with your working day!

Kidwells Networking Event

No Frills, No Fuss, No 60 second intro – just a good straight forward FREE networking event with coffee and croissants.

There will be the opportunity at each meeting for one business to give a 10 minute overview of their business and to bring brochures and marketing material. The business chosen for the following meeting will be drawn from the business cards provided at the event.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – Business Breakfast with Lisa Williams, Head of Branch, John Lewis Birmingham

Lisa Williams is Head of Branch at the recently opened regional flagship John Lewis department store in Birmingham.

The company has invested £35m in its 250,000 sq ft store, which is one of the largest outside London.

Lisa has worked at John Lewis in a variety of customer facing roles – Starting her career as a part time selling assistant and then working her way up through a number of operational roles at eight different stores.

Lisa will be speaking about retailing in Birmingham, the developments and future plans for John Lewis with details of how the business is looking to engage with local businesses.

About the venue The REP embarked on a new chapter in its history and over the last two years has established itself as one of Birmingham’s most versatile and desirable conference venues. It has managed to combine a unique and quirky atmosphere with state of the art facilities. The venue has a knowledgeable and experienced team who consistently deliver results for event organisers. To find out more about holding events at The REP please email thespaces@birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the team on 0121 245 2024.

Apprentices in Business Networking Evening (sponsored by ISO Quality Services)

Date: 25.11.2015

Cost: FREE to attend for both apprentices and employers

Time: 5.30pm- 8.30pm

Venue: Saffron’s Bistro, Worcester

Website: apprentices.club

Event Description

Apprentices in Business networking club was created for Worcestershire apprentices to meet like-minded young people (aged 18-24) in a less formal environment than work or college. The events are designed to be fun, informative and give plenty of time to meet new people. Free drinks and nibbles are provided, to keep the event fun.

ISO Quality Services Ltd- Wine & Cheese Networking Night

Date: 03.12.2015

Cost: £32.50

Time: 5.00pm – 08.30pm

Venue: Browns at the Quay, Worcester, WR1 2JN

Event Description

Our next networking event will be held on the 3rd of December and we will be holding a Wine and Cheese Night. The purpose of this event is to get people familiar with one another, as well as build local connections easily and naturally.

We will have a fantastic selection of wines and cheeses available as well as open networking and activities (yet to be revealed). Spaces are limited so get in touch with us as soon as possible to book your place!

Hope to see many of you there!

Are you a client of ours? Would you recommend our services to your clients / suppliers…why not refer a friend?

Receive a free case of wine or a £50 Marks & Spencer’s Voucher…..the choice is yours!